§ 67. Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that a foreign circus has been acquiring in African Colonies various species of wild animals for training and exhibition as performing animals; that the Government of Southern Rhodesia has already prohibited the catching of wild animals for circuses and menageries on account of the cruelty inflicted in the capture alone; and. whether he will see that other African Colonies prohibit this traffic at its source.
Mr. Creech JonesI have consulted the East and Central African Governments and it appears, from the replies which I have received, that the report referred to in the first part of my hon. Friend's Question is without foundation. If, however, my hon. Friend will provide me with any further information which he may have on the subject, I will gladly look into the matter again. As regards the third part of the Question, existing regulations in the East and Central African territories are designed to ensure that no unnecessary suffering is caused to animals during capture, and export permits would not be granted unless the authority concerned is satisfied that the animals were required for a humane purpose.